Centennial Domestic Violence Lawyers — Immediate Action When Safety and Legal Rights Are Both on the Line
Domestic violence legal proceedings move fast, and the decisions made in the first days can affect custody, housing, and legal status for years. Whether you’re seeking a protection order to protect yourself and your children, or you’ve been served with an order that doesn’t accurately reflect what happened, Burnham Law’s Centennial domestic violence attorneys act with the urgency these situations require. We represent both petitioners and respondents in Arapahoe County District Court — prepared for every protection order hearing as if the outcome matters, because it does.
Our Centennial domestic violence attorneys are available when situations require immediate action. Browse our team below.
She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice before earning her law degree with high honors from Drake University Law School. During her time in law school, she was actively involved in several organizations, including the Children’s Rights Clinic, where she represented children in Dependency and Neglect cases, as well as the Student Bar Association and Law Review. She also gained experience as a Legal Writing Fellow and was a member of the Client Counseling Team. Before joining the Colorado bar, Ali was admitted to practice in Iowa. She worked at a general practice firm, where she gained extensive experience in family law, juvenile law, real estate, and business and estate planning. Ali is dedicated to being a compassionate and zealous advocate for her clients, recognizing the emotional and often high-conflict nature of family law, civil demand letters and probate matters. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys running, skiing, and traveling...
Allison brings a unique blend of business and legal expertise to her practice. After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Georgia, she worked full-time while attending Georgia State University College of Law in the evenings, where she earned her JD. Although born in Texas, Allison’s upbringing included time in Colorado and Georgia. After completing her education in Georgia, she decided to return to Colorado to begin her legal career. She started as a Deputy District Attorney in the 4th Judicial District, prosecuting a variety of cases from misdemeanors to sex offenses. Allison then transitioned to a role as a Senior Contracts Representative at Honeywell, where she worked closely with the United States Air Force. Since 2015, Allison has exclusively practiced family law, a field she discovered to be her true passion. She brings compassion and empathy to her work, ensuring clients understand the legal process every step of the way. While she always strives...
Annie is dedicated to helping clients navigate some of life’s most challenging transitions with clarity and compassion. Her practice focuses primarily on family law, where she represents clients in divorce, allocation of parental responsibilities, post-decree disputes, guardianships, DHS finding appeals and child-related matters. Before joining Burnham Law, Annie gained extensive experience representing clients in district court on guardianship, conservatorship, and expungement cases. From that experience, she learned to approach every case with a balance of empathy and assertiveness, understanding that family law matters are deeply personal and often contentious. Outside the office, Annie enjoys exploring Colorado’s hiking trails and discovering local thrift stores.
Barry has over 35 years of experience handling divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, maintenance, high asset property division, and post decree modification cases. Barry successfully handled the landmark case (Spahmer v. Gullette), which changed child relocation law in Colorado. The case serves as the current governing law for relocation cases in Colorado that arise as part of a divorce proceeding. Barry takes great pride in not only delivering the highest quality legal services, but also developing strong and reliable relationships with his clients. He understands how stressful it is to be involved in a divorce or family law proceeding and considers it his responsibility to take care of his clients and be their trusted advisor when resolving their legal issues.
Brooke Shafranek is an experienced family law attorney with a client-focused approach to her practice. She was born and raised on Long Island, New York, and attended North Carolina State University, where she received her bachelor’s in English and graduated as valedictorian of her graduating class. Brooke attended law school at the University of Florida, where she received several awards, honors and scholarships. Brooke has been recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star since 2023, and brings her passion and expertise to every family law matter. Outside of work, Brooke enjoys traveling and watching live music.
Christopher Sutton is an experienced litigator, focusing his current practice on a mix of Criminal Defense and Family Law. He brings over a decade of high-stakes courtroom experience to his practice, having spent nearly ten years as a District Attorney for El Paso County. During this time, he served for three years as a Special Victim's Attorney, handling complex cases including sex crimes, felony child abuse, and multiple homicides. This experience instilled in him a deep commitment to finding justice for clients and giving back to the community. Mr. Sutton's path to law began with a strong interest in the environment. After earning his B.A. in Biology from Washington and Lee University, he worked as an environmental scientist, identifying liabilities in properties. A key experience working on a Superfund site solidified his decision to pursue law. He earned his J.D. from the University of Denver (DU), where he concentrated on environmental and criminal law. Originally from Pottstown, PA, Christopher developed...
Cindy graduated cum laude from The Pennsylvania State University before earning her law degree from Penn State Law. During her time in law school, she gained invaluable practical experience as a student attorney for the Penn State Family Law Clinic, where she successfully represented clients on a variety of complex family law issues. Throughout her legal career, Cindy has distinguished herself as a highly skilled Family Law strategist and a zealous litigator. Her extensive experience has given her a unique ability to navigate the complexities of family law and provide powerful advocacy for her clients. Cindy understands the profound emotional and financial strain that contentious family disputes inflict on families. She is deeply committed to being a steady, supportive force during these tumultuous times. Cindy is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of her clients; she provides individualized representation, developing unique and thoughtful strategies to help clients achieve their specific case objectives and find stability. Committed to...
Daniel is an experienced litigator who has solely focused on family law since 2012 and has significant experience handling complex and high-conflict cases. Daniel started practicing law at a large family law firm in Florida, where he represented hundreds of clients over the years, before moving to Colorado. He has extensive experience in virtually all areas of family law, ranging from original dissolution actions, allocation of parental responsibilities actions, relocation actions, modifications of parenting time, child support and maintenance. Daniel is a proud alum of Florida State University, where he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the state with his wife and daughter.
Jennifer brings two decades of family law paralegal experience to her role as a Licensed Legal Paraprofessional. She began her legal career as a legal assistant at a well-established New York firm specializing in foster care and adoption, where her passion for supporting families and children in vulnerable circumstances took root. After dedicating time to raise a family and complete her Bachelor of Social Work, she returned to the legal environment in 2011, working with a seasoned Colorado family law attorney and further honing her skills in domestic litigation. Jennifer is proud to be part of Colorado’s inaugural class of Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs), a groundbreaking initiative expanding access to legal services in family law. She believes in a cooperative, client-centered approach, emphasizing clear communication, practical solutions, and compassionate advocacy. Her social work background reinforces her ability to guide clients through emotionally charged legal matters with both tenacity and empathy. Outside the office, Jennifer enjoys exploring Colorado’s backcountry trails with...
Jennifer is a Partner at Burnham Law. She is an accomplished litigator with expertise in domestic relations law and is often called upon to handle complex dissolutions and post-decree matters. She received the Super Lawyers Rising Star award, a distinction that fewer than 2.5% of lawyers in the state meet. Jennifer got her start practicing criminal law as an Associate Criminal Defense Attorney and she represented clients in court throughout the state of Colorado on a daily basis. Jennifer joined Willoughby and Associates, a premier family law firm in downtown Denver, and has specialized in family law ever since. She is experienced in cases of domestic violence, restrictions and modifications of parenting time, child support, decision making, high conflict APR/dissolution cases, and both pre-decree and post-decree relocation cases. Jennifer enjoys being a source of comfort and guidance to families going through difficult times. She is sensitive to client’s needs while firmly managing their expectations. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys spending...
Jeremy Wooten, is a seasoned trial attorney who specializes in criminal defense and family law, leveraging a wealth of experience honed over five years at the Colorado State Public Defenders’ Office. Rising to Senior Deputy Public Defender, he successfully managed a diverse caseload, including serious charges like first-degree homicide, drug distribution, and economic crimes, always maintaining an unwavering commitment to client advocacy. Licensed in both Texas and Colorado, Jeremy's legal expertise is defined by strategic planning—meticulously crafting and executing well-thought-out trial strategies—and remarkable resourcefulness in finding innovative solutions to complex legal challenges in both the criminal and family law arenas. His practice is characterized by agile, client-centered advocacy, which relies on adaptability, active listening, and quick thinking essential for effective trial work. Jeremy prioritizes thoroughly understanding his clients' objectives and adapting his strategies dynamically to the evolving nature of trials. His resilience and strategic agility allow him to confidently navigate unexpected developments in the courtroom, ensuring each case is expertly...
Julian Rosielle has been licensed to practice law in Colorado since 2006. Julian is a graduate of the University of Colorado School of Law, where he was on the Dean’s List and an associate editor of the University of Colorado Law Review. Julian practiced exclusively in the area of criminal law for the first thirteen years of his career and has several notable case outcomes to include not guilty verdicts on charges of homicide and assault. Julian has extensive trial experience, ranging from Death Penalty cases to misdemeanor domestic violence to driving under the influence. Beginning in 2019, Julian’s practice has expanded to include domestic relations litigation and civil protection orders. Julian has lived in Colorado since 2004 and when not in Court enjoys hiking with his family and dogs.
Kaliegh is a dedicated family law attorney who understands that every family is unique. Whether she is helping clients reach an amicable solution or advocating in the courtroom, Kaliegh ensures that her clients understand the legal process and can make the best decisions for their families. Both a compassionate advisor and a zealous litigator, Kaliegh knows there is no “one size fits all” approach to representation. Kaliegh began her legal career as a staff attorney for the El Paso and Teller County Child Support Services Office. Kaliegh worked in private practice for several years before joining Burnham Law, navigating clients through divorces, child custody determinations, and post-decree modifications. Kaliegh brings a well-rounded approach centered on each client’s individual needs. In her free time, Kaliegh enjoys traveling, photography, reading, and spending time with her family.
Miguel C. Mondragon is a tenacious and dedicated attorney who is fiercely committed to his clients and their legal outcomes. Recognizing that clients facing divorce or criminal charges are often in their most vulnerable state, Miguel acts as a passionate advocate, ensuring they have a voice within the legal system. Growing up in southern Colorado, Miguel developed a strong work ethic by working in construction, lumber, and brickyards while attending college. Before becoming an attorney, his interest in law was sparked by his work within the Larimer County Corrections system. While attending the University of South Dakota School of Law, he gained valuable experience working with East River Legal Services, the Colorado State Public Defenders Office, and Samuelson Law. Upon graduation, Miguel honed his skills first as a solo practitioner, then at Weaver & Associates, P.C., before founding Mondragon Law, where he specialized in criminal defense and family law. He brings this deep experience and tenacity to his current role...
Mikayla assists clients on a variety of family law matters, such as dissolution of marriage, allocation of parental responsibilities, and child support enforcement. Mikayla began her legal career as a child support attorney for El Paso County where she helped parents obtain financial support for their children. While Mikayla has worked in private practice for a number of years, she draws on her experiences as a public child support attorney to help her current clients achieve the best possible results. Clients can expect an honest and tenacious legal advocate in Mikayla’s representation. She understands the sensitive and stressful nature of family law cases, and Mikayla will be there to guide her clients through the legal process. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping with her family.
Patrick has experience in the areas of family law, dependency and neglect, and juvenile delinquency. His practice currently focuses on domestic relations, dependency and neglect, and family law matters. Patrick received his Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado Law School where he earned a Juvenile and Family Law Certificate for demonstrated dedication to these fields of law. While attending CU, he also clerked for the 20th Judicial District as a judicial intern and was a student attorney with the Juvenile and Family Law Clinic, assisting low-income clients with a variety of legal issues, including adoptions, divorces, and custody disputes.
Theresa graduated from the University of South Florida with a BA in political science and minor in communications in 2014. She went on to graduate third in her class at Western Michigan University Law School in 2018. While in law school she clerked for a judge in the second district court of appeals in Florida. After moving to Colorado she worked for a cannabis law firm assisting cannabis business owners with licensing and compliance/regulations. She then found her passion working in domestic relations and has practiced family law exclusively ever since. Theresa handles all issues related to custody including dependency and neglect, custody disputes, allocation of parental responsibilities, guardianship, and adoptions. Theresa also has experience with high asset cases and division of complex assets. Both in and out of the courtroom, Theresa has a reputation as a strong advocate for those she represents. She is skilled at seeing the big picture, and effectively navigates clients to their best possible outcome....
Domestic Violence and Protective Orders in Centennial, Colorado
Colorado provides two types of civil protection orders: temporary protection orders (TPOs) and permanent protection orders (PPOs). Centennial residents file for protection orders in the Arapahoe County District Court in Littleton. A TPO can be issued the same day a petition is filed — without the other party present — based solely on the petitioner’s sworn affidavit. If the court finds sufficient grounds, the TPO is issued and served on the restrained party by law enforcement, often within hours.
The TPO remains in effect until a permanent protection order hearing, which must be set within 14 days in Colorado. At the PPO hearing, both parties have the right to appear, be represented by counsel, present evidence, and call witnesses. The court evaluates whether the conduct alleged meets the legal standard for a permanent order and whether ongoing protection is necessary. A permanent protection order can restrict contact, require the restrained party to vacate a shared residence, restrict firearm possession, and include provisions governing parenting time if children are involved.
The consequences of a permanent protection order extend well beyond the immediate restrictions. Orders are entered into the Colorado Bureau of Investigation database and appear in background checks. Under the federal Lautenberg Amendment, a permanent protection order triggers a firearms prohibition — with immediate consequences for anyone in law enforcement, the military, or security professions. Protection orders also create a factual record directly relevant to custody proceedings. The PPO hearing matters, and preparation matters.
What Our Centennial Domestic Violence Attorneys Handle
Filing for a temporary protection order on behalf of petitioners. We help clients prepare the sworn affidavit ensuring that the relevant conduct is documented completely and presented in a way that gives the court a full picture.
Representing petitioners at PPO hearings in Arapahoe County District Court. We organize evidence, prepare testimony, and present the case for why a permanent order is necessary and appropriate.
Representing respondents at PPO hearings when a protection order petition contains inaccurate, incomplete, or exaggerated allegations. Protection orders are sometimes filed strategically in the context of divorce or custody disputes. Respondents have the right to a fair hearing, and we provide the advocacy that right requires.
Emergency parenting provisions within protection orders. When children are involved, temporary parenting time restrictions in the protection order can become the de facto custody arrangement pending resolution of any related family law proceedings.
Coordination with criminal proceedings when the underlying conduct has also resulted in criminal charges through the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office. Burnham Law handles both family law and criminal defense, enabling coordinated representation when both are in play.
Modification and dismissal of protection orders when circumstances have changed materially or when an order was entered based on a factual record that doesn’t accurately reflect the situation.
How Centennial Domestic Violence Cases Work
Protection order proceedings in Arapahoe County operate on a compressed, urgent timeline. The petitioner files a petition and sworn affidavit at the Arapahoe County District Court. A judge reviews the petition the same day and either grants or denies the temporary protection order. If granted, law enforcement serves the TPO on the restrained party — sometimes the same day — and the restrained party must comply immediately upon service.
The PPO hearing is set within 14 days. Both parties receive notice. At the hearing, each side can appear with counsel, present documentary evidence, call witnesses, and cross-examine the other party. If a permanent protection order is issued, it is immediately entered into the CBI database and triggers the federal firearms prohibition.
In cases where family law proceedings — divorce, custody, support — are also pending, the protection order proceeding and the family law proceeding interact: protection order provisions about parenting time can influence the family law case, and the factual record established at the PPO hearing is available to the family law court.
Why Burnham Law for Domestic Violence Cases in Centennial
We move when these situations require it. Protection order timelines don’t accommodate slow responses. Our Centennial attorneys are available when situations require immediate action, and we move quickly to protect our clients’ rights from the outset.
Both sides, fully prepared. Representing petitioners and respondents gives us perspective on how these cases are built and how they’re challenged. That dual experience makes us better advocates on whichever side we’re on.
Cross-practice coordination. When a domestic violence situation intersects with divorce, custody, or criminal charges — which it frequently does — having attorneys who handle all three in the same firm is a significant advantage.
Hearing preparation that changes outcomes. PPO hearings are evidentiary proceedings. For petitioners, we build and organize the factual record. For respondents, we challenge it — with the same thoroughness in both directions.
How quickly can a protection order be obtained in Arapahoe County?
A temporary protection order can be issued the same day the petition is filed if a judge finds sufficient grounds in the sworn affidavit. The Arapahoe County District Court reviews ex parte petitions on the day they are submitted, and if granted, law enforcement serves the TPO, often the same day.
What if I was served with a protection order that contains false allegations?
You have the right to appear at the PPO hearing and present your own evidence, testimony, and witnesses. A protection order is not automatically made permanent simply because one was requested. Well-prepared respondents with credible evidence have genuine opportunities to defeat inaccurate petitions in Arapahoe County. Contact an attorney as soon as you are served.
Can a protection order affect my custody case in Centennial?
Yes, directly. A permanent protection order creates a factual record of conduct that is directly relevant to best-interests determinations in any pending or future custody proceeding. Emergency parenting provisions in the protection order can also establish a parenting baseline that influences the formal APR case.
Does a civil protection order differ from a criminal domestic violence case?
Yes. A civil protection order is a separate proceeding from any criminal case arising out of the same conduct. The civil proceeding is between the petitioner and respondent with a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. A criminal case is prosecuted by the Arapahoe County District Attorney using the beyond-a-reasonable-doubt standard. Both can be pending simultaneously and can affect each other.
Can a permanent protection order be removed or dismissed in Colorado?
Yes. Either party can file a motion to modify or dismiss a permanent protection order. The court evaluates whether the circumstances that justified the original order have changed sufficiently to warrant modification or dismissal.
Schedule a Consultation with a Centennial Domestic Violence Lawyer
Protection order cases move fast and have consequences that last. Whether you need immediate protection or you’re responding to an order that doesn’t reflect reality, don’t go through this process without experienced legal representation.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Centennial domestic violence attorneys will respond promptly and make sure you’re prepared for what comes next.
